(By: Nikky Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of Teamwork Communications Group)
Mental health is an important part of overall well-being, yet it often takes a backseat in the fast pace of daily life. Studies have shown a decline in happiness and life satisfaction among young people, especially women, over the past decade; a trend also highlighted by a recent UN-backed report. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are universal challenges, but for women, the emotional burden is compounded by the constant pressure to balance multiple roles — as professionals, caregivers, and partners. The expectation to excel in every facet of life often leads to guilt and self-doubt, making self-care an afterthought.
The Mental Health Landscape For Women
Women often find themselves navigating a web of expectations, whether from society, family, or their inner critic. The demand to be resilient, selfless, and endlessly capable leaves little room to acknowledge their struggles, let alone prioritise mental well-being.
A working mother might wake up early to prepare meals, get her children ready, and then rush to work, only to return home to another full-time role. A businesswoman may feel the pressure of proving herself in a male-dominated industry while also managing household responsibilities. A young professional might constantly battle self-doubt, wondering if she is doing enough to advance in her career while maintaining her personal life. These every day realities take an unseen toll on mental well-being.
While progress in gender equality has opened doors, the reality of managing career growth, work-life balance, and personal aspirations remains a challenge. The burden of being ‘enough’ — a good professional, a caring mother, a supportive partner, often leads to an internal tug-of-war. The guilt of taking time for oneself lingers, and the pressure to do it all without complaint can be exhausting.
Creating Supportive Workplaces
Given the mental load many women carry, workplaces play an important role in shaping their well-being. Job stress is a growing concern worldwide, and when organisations fail to support mental health, the effects ripple beyond the workplace, impacting personal lives, families, and even long-term career growth.
Stress affects not only individuals but also businesses, leading to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism. However, when workplaces prioritise mental health, employees feel supported, perform better, and experience greater job satisfaction.
For women who juggle both professional and personal responsibilities, workplace policies can make a great difference. Access to counseling, mentorship programs, and flexible work arrangements can ease the burden. When organisations actively promote mental well-being, they create an environment where women can thrive without sacrificing their personal lives.
The Role Of Social Media In Mental Health
Apart from work stress in today’s digital world, social media also affects mental health. It helps people stay connected and share their lives, but it can also cause self-doubt. Seeing others paint a rosy picture of their lives through their posts can make one feel like they are not doing enough or falling behind.
At the same time, social media can be a place where women share their stories, celebrate their achievements, and find support from others who understand them. When used in a good way, it can boost confidence, build real connections, and create a sense of belonging.
By choosing positive content and meaningful conversations, women can turn social media into a source of strength, a place to support each other, get inspired, and focus on personal growth.
Empowering Women To Prioritise Mental Health
Mental health challenges can be overwhelming, especially for women navigating multiple responsibilities. Yet, prioritising well-being does not have to be an uphill battle. Breaking the stigma means creating a culture where seeking support is seen as a strength, not a weakness. Mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health, with open conversations and accessible resources paving the way. By normalising discussions around mental health and making support systems readily available, we can create an environment where every woman can thrive.
Read More: Mental Health And Women — Breaking The Stigma On International Women’s Day
